RiverWard Expansion Approved in North Center

• The Chicago Plan Commission approved a 14-unit expansion of RiverWard at 2259 West Oakdale Avenue in North Center, Chicago.
• ZSD Corp. is developing the expansion, with SGW Architecture & Design handling the design.
• The new phase will add two three-story buildings, including five riverfront townhomes and a nine-unit building along North Oakley Avenue.
• The approximately $10 million expansion will include three affordable units and extend the riverwalk.

What The RiverWard Expansion Adds

The Chicago Plan Commission has approved an expansion of RiverWard, an ongoing townhome development at 2259 West Oakdale Avenue in Chicago's North Center neighborhood. The new phase will add 14 residential units and extend the development west toward North Oakley Avenue, filling in the remaining portion of a large vacant riverfront parcel. The expansion is designed by SGW Architecture & Design and will be developed by ZSD Corp.

What The New Buildings Will Include

The 14 new units will be divided between two three-story buildings. Five homes will continue the existing riverfront townhome design and extend the project's riverwalk. These residences will include three bedrooms, two-car garages and front yards. The other nine units will be located in a linear building along North Oakley Avenue. These homes will feature four bedrooms, small backyards and detached rear garages topped with rooftop decks. The new buildings are designed to continue RiverWard's residential character while creating a stronger connection between the existing development, Oakley Avenue and the riverfront.

What Is Already Built at RiverWard

RiverWard was introduced several years ago and is currently nearing completion on its original 35 townhomes. Those homes are arranged around a central private drive near the Lathrop Homes development. The initial phases include five clusters of townhomes with matching floor plans, including a row of riverfront homes connected to an expanded riverwalk. The latest approval effectively completes the development footprint on the remaining vacant portion of the riverfront site.

What The Project Adds for Affordable Housing

The expansion will include three affordable units as part of the 14-home addition. While the source does not provide the income levels or specific affordable-unit layouts, their inclusion adds an affordable housing component to an otherwise primarily market-rate townhome development.

What The Expansion Will Cost

The new phase is expected to cost approximately $10 million to complete. The Chicago Plan Commission has approved the expansion, but the developer has not announced a specific construction schedule. Construction is expected to begin soon. Once completed, the expansion will bring RiverWard's overall townhome count to 49 units, while extending the project's riverfront presence and adding more housing along Oakley Avenue.